Newcastle Upon Tyne’s very own SKYCLAD announce the release of their upcoming and 13th studio album entitled ‘Forward Into The Past’ following their previous full length ‘In the… All together’ released in 2009. ‘Forward Into The Past’ also marks the return of guitarist Dave Pugh to SKYCLAD’s line-up as a permanent member.

Since their inception, SKYCLAD have created songs out of a highly original and influential sound mixing heavy metal and traditional folk. Their lyrics have been generally permeated by political, social and environmental matters and the new album seems to be no exception as vocalist Kevin Ridley comments: «The songs are about politics, the environment and the music business and so on. These are mixed with the standard Skyclad fayre of traditional bawdy/drinking type of songs and songs with blues and more ‘ethnic’ feels.»

‘Forward into the past’ painted artwork by Duncan Storr (who previously drew paintings for EDGE OF SANITY, RAGE and HAWKWIND album covers) displays the mesmerizing face of a man made out of trees and branches also as Kevin Ridley elaborates: «The ‘green man’ or ‘storyteller’ image used here is a traditional image (from Roman times at least in the UK) which is usually taken as ‘showing the close interdependence between man and nature.»

That natural feel is also largely expressed in the album production: «I think the new album sounds, warm, natural and ‘real’ (i.e. not processed or overproduced).»

SKYCLAD celebrates their grand return with ‘Forward Into The Past’ on April 28th and it promises a selection of catchy and memorable songs!